When it comes to boosting a home’s energy efficiency, curbing exterior noise, and elevating curb appeal, replacing old windows is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.
We recently completed a comprehensive window replacement and exterior trim upgrade project for a beautiful home in Redmond, Washington. By swapping out aged vinyl inserts with high-performance, sound-controlled custom windows, we dramatically improved both the interior comfort and exterior styling of the property.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how our team executed this project from initial measurements to final trim.
The Project Specifications
For this home, the focus was on updating windows across the upper levels, specifically targeting the Master Bedroom and an adjacent bedroom. Because the home sits in an active neighborhood, acoustic insulation was a top priority alongside thermal efficiency.
Window Type: High-quality vinyl window units with an elegant white-on-white interior and exterior finish.
Glass Technology: SunCoat® Low-E glass coupled with Sound Control (STC) and tempered safety glass. This setup maximizes UV protection, retains indoor climate control, and significantly dampens outdoor ambient noise.
Installation Method: Premium pocket/insert installation using a standard 1-3/8″ setback nail fin.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Precision Diagnostic Measurements
Every successful window installation starts with accurate paperwork. Our project technician carefully mapped out the net width and height configurations for each opening.
The Master Bedroom units required a generous 71½” x 59½” frame footprint , while the secondary bedroom called for a 71½” x 47½” sizing. We utilized structural tape measures to verify existing frame plumb, level, and square metrics before ordering the custom vinyl packages.
2. Siding Cutback & Exterior Prep
With the new custom windows safely on-site, the physical transformation began on the home’s exterior.
First, our team removed the original surface-mounted exterior trim pieces.
Because this home features durable Hardie Lap siding, we used an angle grinder to precisely cut back the siding and liner around the window openings. This clean cutback is necessary to expose the underlying wood framing studs so the new window’s integrated nailing fin can mount directly to the house structure.
3. Weatherproofing with Advanced Flashing
In the Pacific Northwest, robust moisture protection is non-negotiable. Once the raw framing was exposed, we wrapped the window perimeters tightly with Fortiflash Waterproof Flashing Membrane. This self-adhesive flashing creates an impenetrable barrier against wind-driven rain and moisture migration, ensuring the wall cavity stays dry for decades to come.
4. Setting the Windows & Custom Timber Trim
With the openings fully protected, the new vinyl units were set in place, perfectly leveled, and fastened via their nail fins.
To give the exterior an upscale, intentional architectural look, we ditched standard narrow trim molding. Instead, we custom-fabricated a heavy-duty trim package using Primed Finger-Joint (PFJ) Cedar:
Top & Bottom Header/Sill: $5/4 \times 8$ PFJ Cedar featuring an elegant 1-inch overhang beyond the legs.
Side Legs: Matching $5/4 \times 6$ PFJ Cedar casing.
The entire assembly was meticulously sealed with high-grade white exterior sealant to keep water out and lock a clean, contrasting aesthetic in place.
The Finished Result
The results speak for themselves! From the inside, the new multi-lite casement and picture window configurations flood the bedrooms with beautiful natural light while sealing out drafts and street noise.
From the exterior, the crisp white vinyl frames framed by the substantial, blue-primed shadow-line cedar trim completely revitalize the back facade of the home. The home is now more energy-efficient, significantly quieter, and ready to face whatever weather Washington throws its way.
Planning a window or door upgrade for your home? Contact our team today to schedule your own precision diagnostic consultation!
